Garden Home-Whitford, OR Apartment Renter's Guide

This hyphenated town was born as the Garden Home post office in 1882, along the Oregon Electric Railway. It also consists of the Whitford area which was named by combining the names of railroad investors W. A. White and A.C. Bedford, who were also directors of the railway.

Garden Home-Whitford is a small urban community home to 6,674 residents in Beaverton, located near the southwest hills of Portland. With an area of 1.9 square miles, this comfy set of blocks houses just a portion of the city. Some hi-rise apartments are mixed in with single-family homes of varying size. It makes for a diverse backdrop, which is easily navigated on foot and has a modern vibe. Those seeking something away from Portland's urban lifestyle can seek solace here while still being able to brunch at all the hot spots that serve the oft-fabled marionberry pancake.

The area encompasses just a small space but there are plenty of affordable houses for rent in the Garden Home-Whitford neighborhood. Feel comforted knowing online listings and leafing through the real estate section of The Oregonian will turn up exactly what you desire. Taking a drive or stroll around the area may also find you stumbling upon unlisted finds.

To secure the rental you'll be required to provide a photo ID, proof of income, references from past management companies or landlords, or somebody that can co-sign for those younger tenants beginning to make their way in the world.

Make certain to take the time and inspect the location upon arrival, point out anything that's less than desirable to the landlord, and have him sign a check-list so you won't be stuck with the loss of your security deposit down the line, and a few grey hairs from the frustration.

As Garden Home-Whitford is a small neighborhood within Beaverton city limits, there are no distinct neighborhoods. The communities listed below encompass a few subdivisions and apartment complexes listed within the blocks that make-up the area and prove great starting points in the search for housing here.

Arranmore: Arranmore is a neighborhood that consists of 143 single-family abodes and impeccably maintained grounds, which include a swimming pool and spa, allowing for waterside pleasure when the summer months hit.

Maplewood: Maplewood is an historic community full of character. With parks, marshes, and medium size single-family homes up for grabs, the homeowners association is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the area and often organizes community events where neighbors can mingle.

Rummer Homes: Mid-century modern and unique, Rummer homes are an amazing find and can be tailored to your whim once you settle in. The antiquated stylings make for an interesting icebreaker when guests come to stay. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and sharp lines make these environs one-of-a-kind. They're sprinkled all over the area and some can be found in Garden-Home Whitford, if you're willing to hunt a bit.

Garden Glen/Cedar Lane Apartments: Time-worn stone and aluminum combine to make sleek facades to the wooded property. Garden Glen and Cedar Lane are managed by the same company and located steps away from one another. While the apartments are a bit antiquated, they're also equipped with updated appliances and windows. The complex hosts a monthly meet and greet for residents, has a free movie rental program, and is close to the bus line that'll get you across town. Rents are very reasonable for the one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans. Water, sewer, and garbage fees are also included in the monthly rental price.

Garden Home West Apartments: Garden Home offers one, two, and three bedroom units and amenities, which include a community garden where residents can test their green thumbs, a pool, and amazingly friendly landlord and maintenance staff. Each building has its own laundry facilities so wait time is minimized. This complex is located within walking distance of the local Starbucks, hiking trails, and grocery shops.

Audubon Square Apartments: The standard floor plans are available here and the units provide a built-in microwave, upgraded kitchens, and full size washer and dryer sets. The community features a clubhouse, recreation center, exercise room and outdoor pool. Rent is affordable and nearby attractions are just a short distance away.

Garden home has a walk score of 45. While some places will afford you a quick stroll to the nearest boutique, others will prove a further distance between the two, so owning a car is probably a good idea. However, the bus system is reliable and if you don't mind swaying along in unison with other passengers, you'll fare just fine.

Speaking of bus lines, you'll want to get to know your way around the TriMet system, which covers the Portland suburbs. Their website allows you to use a handy trip planner option so that you'll be able to figure out just what bus you'll need to take to cavort around the city. The # 46 runs from SW Oleson and gets you to downtown Portland in just under an hour.

Garden Home Park is a nice sized park in the area, a retreat for residents that need some fresh air via walking trail or ball field. If you'd like to add golf to your outdoor excursion, Redtail Golf course is close at hand. Tee up and breathe in, it's good for the soul.

Foodstuffs are plentiful here in the community. You've got chain store standards like Chipotle, Jimmy Johns, and Dairy Queen. When craving something a bit more inspiring, Maxim's European Deli, John's Incredible Pizza Company, and Stockpot Restaurant are all close at hand to supply comfort food staples in budget and fine dining settings, respectively. The Sports Page Bar will curb the shakes by offering you libation while you ponder life's misgivings.

For other worldly needs, enter Lamb's Thriftway, a grocery and liquor store with booze tastings from local reps, a post office, foodstuffs, and an amazing bakery. Don't let the exterior fool you, what seems shabby on the outside often winds up a treasure from within.

Garden Home Community Library is a place to research the past, present, and future, as you can tap into their Wi-Fi, and if seeking nostalgia piece through the card catalog while remembering Dewey Decimal.

Garden Home Physical Therapy and Acupuncture is there to ensure relaxation, because health comes from within, as we're told. This Eastern remedy to western problems in the comfort of strangers is pleasant and invigorating.

It's a mere 20 minutes to Portland if you feel the urge to roam. While there, get your grubby hands on some infamous VooDoo Doughnuts, and wander to Mother's Bistro and Bar for an amazing breakfast made complete with French press coffee. After a day spent walking around town (or gliding via MAX Blue Line), rest your laurels at the Doug Fir Lounge and Mississippi Studios for live music. Cocktail in hand, life doesn't get much better than this.

For a scenic and breathtaking day trip head to Multnomah Falls, cross the bridge and hike the steep peak. Take in the moss, ivy, plant life and indulge your rainy day fantasies; the falls are beautiful rain and shine. There's a gift shop, and you should skip it. Just enjoy the magnificent beauty the falls provide. It's out of this world!